Brewers Put Padres' Clinching Plans on Hold

Sunday

MILWAUKEE | The San Diego Padres are still waiting to clinch a playoff spot - and they can blame a familiar name.

Tony Gwynn Jr. hit a tying, two-out triple off Trevor Hoffman in the ninth inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers went on to beat the Padres, 4-3, in the 11th on Saturday.

The Padres are assured of at least a tie for the NL wild-card spot, and they can wrap it up with a win today.

San Diego would've been heading back to the postseason for the third straight year, except for the hit by Gwynn, son of the longtime Padres Hall of Famer. A day after being eliminated from the race, the Brewers handed Hoffman - the career saves leader - his sixth blown save in 48 chances.

Vinny Rottino's RBI single in the 11th did clear up one thing: The Padres' loss clinched the NL West for Arizona and gave the Diamondbacks home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs.

Black indicated he intended to start Brett Tomko in the regular-season finale today, regardless of the situation.

"The most important game we play will be our last one," Black said. "Sunday probably won't be our last game."

Hoffman took over a 3-2 lead and opened the ninth by striking out Prince Fielder, but then gave up a double to Corey Hart.

Hoffman struck out pinch-hitter Laynce Nix for the second out of the inning, leaving the entire Padres team - except for manager Bud Black, who sat on the bench - poised on the top step of the dugout and ready to celebrate.

On a 2-2 count, Gwynn hit a pinch-hit triple down the right-field line. Hoffman then got Mike Rivera to ground out, sending the game into extra innings.

In the top of the 11th, pinch-hitter Jason Lane slid into first base, causing Fielder's right leg to buckle. Fielder spent a brief moment on the ground, but got up and walked gingerly back to the dugout. Lane was called out to end the inning.

Ryan Braun led off the bottom half with a double off Padres reliever Joe Thatcher (2-2). Fielder took his turn at bat despite the injury and was walked intentionally.

Hart's flyout to center advanced Braun, and Rottino singled on the first pitch. The win assured the Brewers of their first winning record since 1992.

Mitch Stetter (1-0) got the win.

It was another strange turn in the chaotic final week for San Diego.

A week ago, the Padres were in the middle of a four-game losing streak, facing tough competition from several teams for the NL wild card and having to deal with injuries to two key players, Milton Bradley and Mike Cameron.

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